You think I’d learn not to be messing with my laptop online when I am watching a time shifted Rangers game on my TiVo. But do I learn from that? Nope. I’m in the fifth or sixth inning, and there pops up my Gmail notifier with an email from Jamey Newberg titled “Newberg Report Walkoff Flash”. Great, there goes that game for me. I don’t blame Jamey, I blame myself for being dumb and not protecting myself against finding out ahead of time.
Having said that, what I saw was pretty darn good. John Koronka has turned out to be a major steal, if he ends up continuing to pitch the way he has so far. 8.1 Innings pitched, only 6 hits, and no walks with 4 strikeouts. In fact, the only run he gave up was a solo home run to Jay Gibbons in the fourth inning. Koronka was brilliant. The four pitchers behind him also deserve credit for combining on 3.2IP of shutout relief. A masterful pitching performance by “your Texas Rangers”. Gotta love that.
On the flip side, Baltimore’s pitching was almost as good. Daniel Cabrera went 6 innings, giving up just one run himself on a sacrifice fly. Their pen threw five relievers, and the only mistake was by John Halama at the end. He gave up a line drive home run by Mark DeRosa in the bottom of the 12th inning to win it in walkoff fashion for the Rangers. Was a thrilling win on a definite pitcher’s duel night.
Just wished I hadn’t ruined it for myself by finding out the score ahead of time. :(